Fresno plans to rename a portion of a downtown street after one of its favorite daughters, Broadway great Audra McDonald.
M Street between Inyo and Ventura will become “Audra McDonald Way.”
“Whereas, in addition to her professional career where she has consistently defied racial stereotypes, Audra is a passionate advocate for equal rights and LGBTQ causes, and actively devotes her time and talents to spreading awareness about at-risk youth.” — City of Fresno proclamation
The
city council will vote on the honorary renaming Thursday (May 24) at 9:45 a.m. She is not expected to be at council chambers for the vote, however.
McDonald, a six-time Tony Award Award-winning actor, grew up in Fresno, performed with the Good Company Players and graduated from Roosevelt High School.
“Whereas, in addition to her professional career where she has consistently defied racial stereotypes, Audra is a passionate advocate for equal rights and LGBTQ causes, and actively devotes her time and talents to spreading awareness about at-risk youth,” the city’s proclamation reads.
McDonald Homecoming May 26
McDonald performs with the Fresno Philharmonic in her hometown Saturday, May 26.
Earlier this year, Roosevelt announced it was renaming its school theater in her honor. That will take place at 11 a.m. on May 26 as well, and McDonald will attend the ceremony, a Fresno Unified spokeswoman said. The public is invited to the event.
The Saroyan Theatre, Valdez Hall and Selland Arena line the block of M Street that will become Audra McDonald Way.
